Positive lock mechanism for vehicular sliding roof panels

Abstract

A positive lock mechanism for a lifter assembly associted with a vehicular sliding roof panel limits the path of travel of the lifter assembly. The mechanism includes a trailing pin interconnected to the lifter assembly for co-extensive travel therewith. A slotted guide plate is engaged by the trailing pin to limit the travel of the lifter assembly.

Having, thus, described the invention what is claimed is: 
     
       1. A locking action device for preventing movement of an automotive sliding roof panel, comprising: (a) means for following the path of travel of the panel and connected thereto,   (b) a guiding surface interposed the path of travel of the following means, the following means engaging the guiding surface, the guiding surface defining the path of travel of the following means upon engagement therewith, and   wherein the following means is retained in position by the guiding surface to prevent dislodgment of the roof panel when the panel is positioned to close an opening in the roof.   
     
     
       2. The locking action device of claim 1 wherein the following means comprises: (a) an elongated pin having one end connected to a support for the panel, and   (b) a roller journalled on the other end of the pin.   
     
     
       3. The locking action device of claim 2 wherein the guiding surface comprises: a slotted plate, the plate comprising first and second members, the first and second members being spaced apart a pre-determined distance, the distance being equal to the diameter of the roller, the space between the members defining the guiding surface.   
     
     
       4. The locking action device of claim 1 wherein the guiding surface comprises: a slotted plate, the plate comprising first and second members, the first and second members being spaced apart a pre-determined distance, the distance being a function of a dimension of the following means to enable the following means to travel within the space, the opposed surfaces of the members defining a guiding track within which the following means are confined when engaged therewith.   
     
     
       5. The locking action device of claim 1 which further comprises: (a) means for sliding the panel between a first roof opening and a second roof closing position,   (b) means for supporting the panel connected to the means for sliding, and   wherein the means for supporting defines the means for following.   
     
     
       6. The locking action device of claim 5 wherein the guiding surface comprises: a unitary member having a pre-determined configuration which defines the path of travel of the means for following, the support means being in contact with the unitary member as the panel slides between the first and second position.   
     
     
       7. In a lifter assembly for a vehicle sliding roof panel of the type comprising a support member which slides in a track formed in a housing disposed in an opening formed in the roof and a pivotal link pivotally connected to the sliding support member, and a panel support bracket connected to the link, the improvement which comprises a locking action device for preventing movement of the panel, comprising:   (a) means for following the path of travel of the panel and connected thereto,   (b) a guiding surface interposed the path of travel of the following means, the following means engaging the guiding surface the guiding surface defining the path of travel of the following means upon engagement therewith, and   wherein the following means is retained in position by the guiding surface to prevent dislodgment of the roof panel when the panel is positioned to close an opening in the roof.   
     
     
       8. The improvement of claim 7 wherein the following means comprises: (a) an elongated pin having one end secured to the panel support bracket, the other end extending therebeyond,   (b) a roller journalled on the other end of the pin, and   wherein the guide surface is mounted to the housing above the track.   
     
     
       9. The improvement of claim 8 wherein the guiding surface comprises: a slotted plate, the plate comprising first and second members, the first and second members being spaced apart a pre-determined distance, the distance being equal to the diameter of the roller, the space between the members defining the guiding surface.   
     
     
       10. The improvement of claim 7 wherein the guiding surface comprises: a slotted plate, the plate comprising first and second members, the first and second members being spaced apart a pre-determined distance, the distance being a function of a dimension of the following means to enable the following means to travel within the space, the opposed surfaces of the members defining the guiding surface.   
     
     
       11. The improvement of claim 7 wherein: the panel support bracket comprises the means for following.   
     
     
       12. The improvement of claim 11 wherein the guiding surface comprises: a unitary member having a configuration substantially the same as to the path of travel of the panel, the panel support bracket being in contact with the unitary member as the panel slides between the first and second position, the bracket being contiguous with the member to prevent movement of the bracket upon the application of a horizontal force to the panel, when in the second position.   
     
     
       13. In an automotive sliding roof panel assembly of the type adapted to slide in a track disposed in an opening formed in the roof of the vehicle, the assembly comprising a roof panel, a slider mechanism slidable in the track, and a support bracket interconnecting the roof panel to the slider mechanism, the panel being movable between a first position exposing the roof opening and a second position closing the roof opening, the improvement which comprises: means for preventing movement of the panel when in the second position upon the application of a horizontal force thereto, the means for preventing comprising a locking action device which comprises:   (a) means for following the path of travel of the panel and connected thereto,   (b) a guiding surface interposed the path of travel of the following means, the following means engaging the guiding surface, the guiding surface defining the path of travel of the following means upon engagement therewith, and   wherein the following means is retained in position by the guiding surface to prevent dislodgement of the roof panel when in the second position.   
     
     
       14. The improvement of claim 13 wherein the following means comprises: (a) an elongated pin having one end secured to the panel support bracket, the other end extending therebeyond,   (b) a roller journalled on the other end of the pin, and   wherein the guiding surface is mounted in the opening above the track.   
     
     
       15. The improvement of claim 14 wherein the guiding surface comprises: a slotted plate, the plate comprising first and second members, the first and second members being spaced apart a pre-determined distance, the distance being equal to the diameter of the roller, the space between the members defining the guiding surface.   
     
     
       16. The improvement of claim 13 wherein the guiding surface comprises: a slotted plate, the plate comprising first and second members, the first and second members being spaced apart a pre-determined distance, the distance being a function of a dimension of the following means to enable the following means to travel within the space, the opposed surfaces of the members defining the guiding surface.   
     
     
       17. The improvement of claim 13 wherein: the panel support bracket comprises the means for following.   
     
     
       18. The improvement of claim 17 wherein the guiding surface comprises: a unitary member having a configuration substantially the same as to the path of travel of the panel, the panel support bracket being in contact with the unitary member as the panel slides between the first and second position, the bracket being contiguous with the member to prevent movement of the bracket upon the application of a horizontal force to the panel, when in the second position.   
     
     
       19. The improvement of claim 13 wherein: the sliding roof panel is a hatch roof panel which moves between an inboard first position beneath a central roof pillar and an outboard second position contiguous with the roof line and the door of the vehicle.